Ok so now that all of the titles of DC’s relaunch have been revealed and most of everyone’s opinions have been aired, I’d like to give my nickels worth. Yes its a nickel because I’m giving more then twice as much (queue the drum). Anyway, my babbling is an attempt to look at this relaunch with an open mind and with multiple perspectives.
Let’s start with the question as to what it all means. Why, oh why, would DC up and do something like this? I’m sure by now we’ve all heard reasons from the DC higher-ups and from the fans it impacts. But why can’t we, as fans, accept that it is mostly about business. Let’s be honest, short of announcing an across-the-board revamp, how else would they be able to bring in new readers? Marketing from property-based films? Not a guarantee. An article in the paper about a famous death ala Superman or Captain America? I don’t think that worked either. Point is, this is a massive undertaking and they’re doing it in a way that makes the most sense.
Try as we might, we can bitch and moan that some of our beloved heroes and heroines are being, for lack of a more perfect word, “fucked” with, but that doesn’t mean we need to revolt or threaten DC and what it is attempting to do. On that point…do you really think threatening them is ultimately going to change anything? Yeah I don’t think so. What about the fact that all the creative control is in the extremely-capable hands of Jim Lee and Geoff Johns? Seriously, are there better hands to put the fate of the DCU in? Now I know what’s coming. You will read this and name numerous other names that could helm this project, but that doesn’t matter, its been decided and some of you need to have a little faith in what these guys plan to do. Why must everyone jump to anger or frustration because there comic is temporarily leaving the shelves? Have any of you actually noticed that nobody said that these 52 titles were the end-all be-all? Yeah, I’ve looked around and am pretty sure nobody suggested that this is it…forever.
So how does this actually affect you, the fan of the DCU? It doesn’t really besides the unmistakable fact that many of us, including myself, will miss certain titles like Gail Simone’s Secret Six, or John Rozum’s Xombi. Oh and Superman may rock a different type of spandex. Seriously? These are the problems? Maybe I’m too optimistic (which is rare for me) but I see this as a whole new opportunity for storylines from new creators and grizzled veterans. Imagine that day, months or even years down the road when Bane is called back into action to resume his duties with the Six and you’re nowhere to be found. Now you’re playing catch-up and missing out on how we got to where we are.
I hear writers and artists say it all the time that comic fans are among the most passionate. Well if that’s true, their passion leads to some ignorant assessments and rash decisions. I saw a rant where someone refuses to stay with DC because Rob Liefield is working on Hawk & Dove. You’ve got to be kidding. So maybe your not his biggest fan, but who are you to criticize the art of a man beloved by many (I mean the man created Cable & Deadpool, he’s a genius). My personal opinion aside, if you have the audacity to attack any writer’s or artist’s skills, you better be ready to show off your own. I notice this same bullshit from the over-zealous comic fan about comic films. “It wasn’t true to the comic”, “That’s not how it happens” and doozies like “Green Lantern is supposed to have white gloves.” Alright, assholes, go ahead…make it better. I just saw, as many of you did X-Men: First Class and thought it was awesome. Then I ventured to my local comic store to hear some shmuck complain that it lacked “structure”. These are the bozos that refuse to give new things a chance. Is it really so bad and detrimental to your life if a new spin is taken on a character or story?
I know it sounded like an attack on comic fans, but it wasn’t (ok maybe a little, but only specific fans, they know who they are). All I’m saying is that if you’re not a fan of something, don’t ruin in for others. How does anyone know how this relaunch will work out? It could be the best thing since Christopher Nolan took on Batman, and it could also fail miserably like Lebron James in the NBA Finals. The bottom line is we don’t know what’s going to happen, but if you’re a fan of comics be a fan of comics. Don’t get pissy, take your ball and run simply because the kids would rather play tag than dodgeball. Seems kind of childish and lame, also makes you seem more like a poser than an actual fan.
And another thing…why abandon DC if your favorites are being reshuffled or paired with new partners? If your a fan of Geoff Johns, he’s still around. And Gail may not be on Secret Six but I believe she’s doing some story about somebody (sarcasm people, she’s rocking Batgirl, I know). Grant Morrison is making a jump from the Bat to the Big Blue Boyscout. Point is they’re still hanging around. Just take a second, sit back, and be reasonable before tourettes sets in. This may be the best thing ever and you won’t be there when it all fleshes itself out. Shame on you.
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